Meaning & Function
What is the term for the main idea or message of a dance?
Theme
What are two examples of dance actions?
Jumping, turning, sliding, reaching
What are levels in dance?
High, medium, low movement
What is tempo?
The speed of the music or movement
What is energy in dance?
The quality or force behind movement
True or False: The meaning of a dance is always the same for everyone.
False
What is canon?
Dancers perform the same movement one after another
What is a formation?
The spatial arrangement of dancers
What is rhythm?
The pattern of beats in time
Give one word to describe energy.
Flowing, sharp, heavy, light, bound, etc.
What can a choreographer use to communicate a societal issue?
Movement, music, formation, or gestures
What is unison?
Dancers performing the same movement at the same time
What is a pathway?
The floor pattern a dancer travels through space
True or False: The tempo of the music and dance are always the same.
False
How does energy affect the mood of a dance?
It helps express emotion or intention
Describe one way a dance can make an audience feel something.
motion, energy, tempo
Name one element of movement that made a big impression on you in a past piece.
student example
True or False: Space only refers to how far dancers travel.
dancers travel.False – it also includes direction, focus, levels, etc
What does it mean when a movement is accented?
It’s emphasized or stressed for effect
What’s the difference between bound and free flow?
Bound = controlled, Free = loose/uncontrolled
What’s one way to tell if the choreography effectively shows its theme?
If movement choices clearly support the meaning or emotion
How do transitions help a dance feel complete?
They connect movements smoothly to maintain flow
How can a choreographer use focus to emphasize meaning?
Directing attention to specific movement or dancer
Describe how changing tempo can change the feeling of a dance.
slow = calm, fast = exciting
How can contrasting energies make choreography interesting?
It creates dynamics and visual variety